Humber Polytechnic professor Justin Gray made history on Sunday (Feb. 1) by being the first Canadian to win a GRAMMY Award in the Best Immersive Audio Album category. 

Gray, a JUNO Award-winning professor in Humber’s Bachelor of Music program, took home the 2026 GRAMMY for his album Immersed. 

Composed, performed and produced by Gray, the album showcases the talents of 38 Toronto-based musicians from diverse musical backgrounds. Using revolutionary immersive sound recording techniques, the project places listeners at the heart of a 360-degree orchestral performance.  

“We want to thank our families – nothing happens in a bubble – my wife Natalie is here, my children, our parents – just everybody – IAN Records and every single person who’s been a part of bringing this music to life and for believing in it,” said Gray from the Los Angeles stage where he accepted his award. “To Toronto, to Canada, we love you. Music is a gift we all share and can we maintain and continue to uplift each other through this beautiful art form.” 

The filmed version of Immersed has already earned international acclaim, winning more than a dozen festival awards – including Best Musical Film at the Cannes World Film Festival.  

About 80 per cent of the featured musicians are Humber graduates and instructors, with Humber students also contributing to the production. All performances were recorded and filmed at Humber’s state-of-the-art recording studio.  

Immersed is also nominated for a 2026 JUNO Award in the Jazz Album of the Year (Solo) category. 

Humber Music (Keyboard) alumna Laila Biali had her album Wintersongs nominated in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category and was up against some true music superstars with Jennifer Hudson, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Lady Gaga, Laufey (this year’s GRAMMY winner) and Barbara Streisand all receiving nominations in the category as well.  

Wintersongs was also nominated for a 2025 JUNO Award in the Vocal Jazz Album of the Year category. 

Matthew Burnett, a graduate of the Bachelor of Music program and a former Humber Music Producer in Residence, produced several songs on Giveon's album Beloved that was nominated in the Best R&B Album category. This year’s GRAMMY winner in that category was Leon Thomas.